Landon Donovan, just the right man at just the right time
Over the past several weeks the question has been asked of Landon Donovan's ability to play in the English Premier League. The dismissive attitude of some towards MLS "soccer" is a wrong one, particularly for someone like Landon Donovan who's certainly been well above the grade for several years, and is his country's record goal scorer. He's performed in international competition and earned the right to see what he could do in Europe. At Everton he's amongst elite players and at a club with a 131 year history. No doubt Donovan's been getting to see just what an institution in English football Everton FC actually are.
Donovan in choosing Everton has come to the right club. Everton Football Club have an extensive network in the US, with several partnerships with clubs like USL-2 team The Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Everton's summer trip to play the MLS all-stars and with Everton's networking in the US. Fory for example Tony Farrell who's supposedly been in the US this week (Everton FC head of international football, and coordinator for 9-12 year olds).
Its no coincidence Everton have spent a good deal of time in America in pre-season the past few years, as it appears the club have staked a strategic interest in cultivating talent in the US. Everton took on two young American's in the summer in Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, further bringing along the mutual beneficial investment across the atlantic. Landon Donovan's just the latest part of this. So for Everton, far from the club being accused of cherry picking - Everton have cultivated their share of talent already and will do so long term. Everton have a extensive outreach programme in Liverpool and its good that newer clubs in America are benefiting from the club with 131 years of history, in the country that gave football to the world.
Having watched Donovan play up close up and even moving around in his warm up its immediately obvious that the boy's got quick tidy feet, and has what we'd term a good motor on him. The pace of him combined with his control immediately put him in a good position. He's often played in a central striker position in MLS but looking at him physically, and having seen him pull out of a header - I doubt Donovan will play as an out and out striker in the English Premier League.
He's yet to and is unlikely to show the level of durability and capability in the air that for instance Tim Cahill has shown in the box, where in English football there is a huge physical battle. But what he has got, in abundance - is that turn of pace and feet that will allow him to massively take advantage of any space given to him, on equal terms with any defender in England. I can't see Donovan out-jumping John Terry or Rio Ferdinand (or our legend/player of the season: Phil Jagielka) in the box for a header, but I could see him put into space behind them. He certainly has that level of pace and awareness if given the service.
We've yet to really see his crossing ability other than set pieces, but even there he's been beating the first man which has been an issue for Everton earlier in the season. Indeed the pace Donovan has brought out wide, and with captain Phil Neville behind him, any defensive frailty due to inexperience are certainly covered. Neville's passing on his experience to him (you only hat to be sat in Bullens Road to hear it), and this means we're seeing the best of Donovan until he's comfortable in himself in the blues' system.
His harassment of defenders fits in with the game plan. He's given Everton just what we needed with Phil Neville (and for a time Seamus Coleman) behind him. In recent games we've seen some genuine width and pace, and proper movement. Everton using the entire pitch to our advantage. Donovan's been key in the game plan and its even rubbed off on players who weren't doing it before his arrival.
It's all set up for Donovan to succeed at Everton. With experienced internationals, characters and most importantly - friends around him, Donovan can show just what obvious natural ability he has.
He was unfortunate not to score against Man City, the ball crept too far forward early in the game. With the increasing fitness and his ability to run into space he'll score. He looked to enjoy himself against Manchester City, and it shouldn't be understated that he was facing experienced and expensive opposition then.
If there are any other American soccer players with Donovan's ability who have boots, will travel: the address is Everton Football Club, Liverpool, L4 4EL
If you're as good as Landon Donovan you might get a game.
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Great article. Thanks to the Everton fans for welcoming Landon Donovan. Fans in America appreciate the open attitude and support. Moreover, Landon is the type of player that will feed off that energy and excel because of it.
-Marcus in Southern California
well said - Everton and Landon are a perfect fit because both sides need each other. If he is smart, he'll stay with the blues (should an offer be made).